This post was written by the Experimental Mommy in partnership with Gulf Islands Waterpark. All opinions remain 100% honest.
Stand outside for more than 5 minutes in New Orleans this summer and you will be looking for ways to cool off and escape this summer heat. Our small backyard pool works in a pinch, but sometimes you just need MORE. Fortunately, just a little over an hour away lies a summer escape that is sure delight the whole family. Gulf Islands Waterpark in Gulfport, MS offers miles of thrilling slides, relaxing lazy river, adorable toddler play area and delicious food to make sure your summer is the coolest ever!
To celebrate the start of summer (and my daughter’s birthday), we gathered some of her closest friends and hit the road to check out Gulf Islands Waterpark for ourselves. Upon arrival, we were ushered through group check in which was incredibly easy and escorted to our party pavilion, the Boat House. This double decker pavilion offered a home base for our group that was visible from just about everywhere in the park. Plus, we had an adult perched on the second level who could keep an eye on the kids while enjoying the comfort of the ceiling fans and picnic tables.
The most economical way to feed a large group is to purchase a party package including pizza, drinks and paper products which can be delivered right to your pavilion without having to wait in lines. While you can’t bring food into Gulf Islands Waterpark, you can bring in a cake if you have a party pavilion.
Once everyone was full, our group of tweens were ready to hit the slides. Their favorite was the Riptide Racers where several of our party guests could race down a 45ft high slide for the win! Coming in a close second was the Horn Island Blaster, the Gulf Coast’s first and only water roller coaster. Riding two at time, I definitely heard laughs and screams coming from this one! But if you ask the parents in attendance, the Lazy Pearl River and Wavepool were the overwhelming favorites. Floating around the river, relaxing, chatting and escaping the heat was definitely worth the trip!
Whether you are looking for a great birthday party venue or just a way to cool off this summer, definitely check out Gulf Islands Waterpark in Mississippi! If you love it, consider the great value of the season pass for just $59.99. You won’t be disappointed!
Want more tips for visiting? Check out our Top 5 Travel Tips for Gulf Islands Waterpark!